iv INTRODUCTION. 



tions into untrodden paths in the Northern hemifphere, are, 

 under the fame fandion, now fubmitted to the PubHc in 

 thefe Volumes. 



One great plan of nautical inveftigation having been pur- 

 fued throughour, it is obvious, that the feveral voyages have a 

 clofe connection, and that an exa6t recolledlion of what had 

 been aimed ar, and efFetfted, in thofe that preceded, will 

 throw confiderable light on our period. With a view, there- 

 fore, to aflift the Reader in forming a juft eflimate of the 

 additional information conveyed by this Publication, it may 

 not be improper to lay before him a fliort, though compre- 

 henfive, abftracft of the principal objedls that had been pre- 

 vioufly accomplifhed, arranged in fuch a manner, as may 

 ferve to unite, into one point of view, the various articles 

 which lie Scattered through the voluminous Journals al- 

 ready in the hands of the Public ; thofe compiled by Dr. 

 Hawkefworth ; and that which was written by Captain 

 Cook himfelf. By thus fliewing what had been formerly 

 done, how much ftill remained for fubfequent examina- 

 tion, will be more apparent ; and it will be better underflood 

 on what grounds, though the fhips of his IVIajefty had al- 

 ready circumnavigated the world five different times, in the 

 courfe of about ten years, another voyage JCbould ftill be 

 thought expedient. 



There will be a farther ufe in giving fuch an abftra<5t a* 

 place in this Introdudion. The plan of difcovery, carried 

 on in fo many fucceffive expeditions, being naw, we may 

 take upon us to fay, in a great meafure completed; by 

 fumming up the final refult, we fhall be better able to do 

 juftice to the benevolent purpofes it was defigned to anfwer;. 

 and a folid foundation will be laid, on which we may build 



a' fa- 



